How much can software do to a pre-pro? (1 Viewer)

[James Tg]

I am looking for a budget pre-pro, and deciding between Outlaw 950 and Rotel 1066. Based on my understanding, the biggest difference between these two models is the software. 1066 has a RS232 port to hook up a computer for future software upgrade, but 950 does not. I also heard some pre/pros have this function too. Pre/pro software cannot turn night to day, but they can for sure fix some issues. My question is: how much can software do to a pre/pro? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
James

 

[JoshK]

Well many of the surround formats are algorthms correct? Software contains the algorthms. So the software can't update a 5.1 discrete channels to 10.2 discrete channels in your pre/pro but lets say DPLIII comes out tomorrow and your pre/pro only has DPLII, the software update could get you current.

 

[Kevin C Brown]

Hmmm... Let's see what software upgrades did for the venerable Sony TA-E9000ES. This is just for the 1st upgrade. Depending on how you count, the software is up to rev 2.01 in the States, and 2.5 in Japan:
Contents of the modification (Ver 1.01A to Ver 1.10C):
- Decode delay (Lip sync. Malfunction) at playing Dolby Digital (AC-3) has been modified.
- The problem of no sound from Rch of the rear speaker at Dolby Digital (AC-3) [2/1], [3/1] mode has been improved.
The problem with no sound from sub woofer when setting Pro Logic against the signal with LFE at [2/0] of Dolby Digital (AC-3) has been improved.
- The clipping problem in case of entering full-scale signal to LFE during dts play has been improved.
- The malfunction with incorrect information display when playing special source of dts [2/0] has been improved.
- A function for version display when scrolled to the end of the stream information display has been added.
- The display malfunction of incorrect PCM bit number at the stream information display has been modified.
- Modified as the vocal sound comes from the front when playing Karaoke DVD.
- The malfunction that turns muting on when operation LEVEL menu with the remote controller after released MUTING by rotating the volume knob while MUTING is set has been modified.
- Digital filter dither value has been modified for sound improvement.
- New setting menu for using "one way remote commander" in CUSTOMIZE menu has been added. (One way remote commander: RM-PP402 on sale in Jul/99 , etc)
- The malfunction of no sound from the rear when playing 3/1 or 2/1 mode has been modified.
Taken from: Link Removed

 

[James Tg]

Thanks. Wow!! It looks like there were a lot of bugs in Sony TA-E9000ES original software V 1.01A. I also considered TA-E9000ES before, and checked its website. This model has been discontinued, and the soon would be replaced by TA-E10ES. With this situation, is it worth doing software upgrade?

James

 

[Andrew Pratt]

James yes the software on the TA-E9000ES makes a big difference not only for "bugs" but it also lowered the noise floor and improved 2 channel performance.

As for the original question the very fact that the TA-E9000ES still have a shelf life after how many years IMO points nicely to the Rotel's resale value being higher if they continue to support it they way they have been so far.